Place de la Bastille, Paris
The Place de la Bastille is a square in Paris where the Bastille prison once stood. The Bastille plaza was built in the 14th century and served as a state prison and fortress. Everything changed during the 18th century. On July 14, 1789, this plaza became a timeless symbol of the abuse of power by the French monarchy. It was stormed by revolutionaries, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.
After the prison was destroyed, the square was called Place de la Bastille. Throughout the 19th century, the square was renovated and featured monumental columns commemorating the revolution.
Today, only the foundations of the prison remain, and the Place de la Bastille is a lively square with cafes, shops, and local residents. A farmer’s market takes place every week. The Opéra Bastille, a modern opera house that was inaugurated in 1989 for the 200th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, is also located there.
The July Column in the center commemorates the revolutionaries who attacked the Bastille in 1789. Place de la Bastille remains a symbolic location in Paris, representing the fight against oppression and the spirit of the French Revolution.
Place de la Bastille has gone through several significant transformations in its history, reflecting the political and social changes that France itself has undergone. From a symbol of royal tyranny, to a beacon of revolution, and now a vibrant public space, it holds a unique place in the heart of Paris.
